Gabriel Joseph GAUDETTE

Gabriel Joseph Gaudette February 17, 1921 - May 18, 2004 It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Gabriel “Gabe” Gaudette on May 18, 2004 at the age of 83 years at St. Boniface General Hospital after a courageous battle to overcome several setbacks and with family at his side. Gabe as many came to know him by was predeceased by his wife Miriam of 42 years in 1988. He is survived by six children, Harold (Marg), Joe (Bonnie), Dick, June (Garry), Jane (Rick) and Eva, seven grand children, Cory (Julie), Chris, Ryan (Lydia), Amanda, Samantha, Pamela, Dylan and one great-grand child, Toni-Anne. Gabriel was born in Burn, Quebec and was one of 12 siblings of his parents Harvey and Amanda of which he is survived by four siblings. He met and married his beloved wife Miriam in 1946 and after a tenure of owning and operating Modern Tire in Sturgeon Falls, Ont, Gabe, Miriam and children relocated to Winnipeg in 1960 and initially settled in St. James. As the family began to grow, the family established roots in the Ft. Rouge area on McMillan Avenue where they remained until Miriam’s passing in 1988. Gabe spent years as a long distance truck driver, owning his own semi-truck, which required him to be away from the family for long periods of time while his wife Miriam cared for the children at home. In 1973, Gabe purchased William Tire Service which he and his son Joe operated together until 1986 when Gabe chose to retire. Even after retirement, Gabe made frequent trips to William Tire as part of his daily routine. He just couldn’t stay away. Gabe always enjoyed the time he spent with his family on summer vacations when the family took trips in the “school bus” which was equipped for camping. These were some of the many enjoyable times we as a family spent together. Family occasions and holidays were always particularly special to Gabe. Right to the end Gabe was always wanting to known when his children were coming back to visit him. After his wife’s death, Gabe spent his summers on trips east and west to visit family and friends. He always came back with fond memories and stories of family and places he was able to see. Gabe was a very energetic person and hard worker his entire life. Never one to back down to a challenge is a testament of the variety of careers he took in his life but unfortunately health issues required him to slow down over the years. Even in retirement, Gabe was always there to help out his children with various home projects and always opened his home to those in need. As late as 2002, at the age of 81, he was constructing a porch on his back deck of his home, mostly by himself. This is part of his legacy and memories that he leaves us to cherish.. The family wishes to express deep heart felt appreciation and gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at St. Boniface General Hospital. All those who came to know Dad grew to love him in a short period of time. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons, with interment to follow at Glen Lawn Cemetery, 455 Lagimodiere Ave. where he will rejoin his wife Miriam after 16 long years. Viewing will take place thirty minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gabriel’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.